The most common refrain in personal development is to “use your time wisely.” We hear the what constantly, but rarely the how. The meaning is explained well; the practical method is often missing.

I believe this is because how we use our time is deeply personal, dictated by the unique life we each wish to build. When I say “we,” I mean the authentic self the complete identity encompassing both the seen and the unseen, including the blind spots we carry that only reveal themselves under the right conditions.

Using time wisely hinges on the idea that we can capably prioritize what matters and allocate our time and energy accordingly. But how? This is the question I keep returning to. Life is a series of unknowns unfolding in a future we cannot control. So how can we possibly plan our time within such uncertainty? What are the practical tools?

My spiritual tradition offers one profound answer: prioritize worship of the Creator above all. I wholeheartedly agree. Yet my inquiry here is about our worldly affairs. If I am operating in the unknown, how do I know what to prioritize? I deeply admire those with clear plans and structured tasks, but that approach often eludes me. It’s not that I can’t plan; it’s that I don’t believe rigid planning is the most effective way to unlock one’s full capacity. Instead, a more pragmatic and responsive approach resonates with me.

My “how to” is to live each moment to its fullest with my authentic self fully present. It is to meet every moment with clarity and mindfulness, discerning what it requires of me and granting it the attention it deserves.

This leads me to defend two maligned traits: procrastination and overthinking.

We’ve unfairly tainted procrastination, but I’ve found it to be a valuable tool. The gap between a task and its execution isn’t merely a delay; it can be a learning curve. For those of us who need to process things reflectively, this time is essential for consideration. Of course, this borders on overthinking.

Overthinking, too, is shrouded in negativity. Yet for me, it is a fundamental technique for using time wisely. What most people miss is that when an overthinker finally acts, their action is precise, considered, and powerful. The prolonged thought leads to decisive impact.

I have therefore learned to harness my natural tendencies for procrastination and overthinking. I use them as tools to shape my days and guide my decisions, allowing my reflection to fuel my action.

So the next time someone tells you to stop overthinking and just get on with it, smile. You’re not wasting time you’re investing it. You’re not hesitating; you’re calibrating. My blueprint for a life well-lived isn’t found in a rigid plan, but in the purposeful embrace of a thoughtful pause.

This is my random rant in the digital space: a defense for the procrastinators, a manifesto for the overthinkers. For those of us who need to wander in thought before we can run with action. Our time is not lost; it is simply simmering.